AFSPA extends for another 6 months in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
- In Reports
- 03:53 PM, Sep 27, 2023
- Myind Staff
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for an additional six-month period, starting from October 1. This extension applies specifically to certain regions within Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
The decision to prolong the enforcement of AFSPA in these areas underscores the government's continued focus on security and law enforcement measures to address prevailing circumstances. It highlights the importance of maintaining law and order, particularly in regions where security challenges persist.
The AFSPA grants the armed forces certain special powers in areas marked by unrest or insurgency, aiming to aid in restoring peace and stability. The periodic extensions of this act are part of an ongoing effort to manage and address security concerns effectively.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially extended the application of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in various regions of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. This extension is set to endure for six months, beginning from October 1, as per a recent official notification.
In Nagaland, the AFSPA's extension applies to the entire territory of eight districts. These districts include Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren, as detailed in a report by The Hindu.
Moreover, this extension encompasses specific areas under the jurisdiction of 21 police stations distributed across five additional districts in Nagaland. These districts comprise Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA's application pertains to the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding. Furthermore, it includes areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district, adjacent to the Assam border. This declaration designates these regions as "disturbed areas" under Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958. The extension is effective for six months from October 1, unless withdrawn earlier, as reported.
This extension, a continuation of a prior order from March, highlights the government's commitment to addressing security concerns and maintaining law and order in these areas. The AFSPA grants certain legal immunities to security forces operating in these "disturbed areas," empowering them to undertake actions such as making arrests, conducting searches without warrants, and even using force, without the need for immediate prosecution or legal consequences, subject to Central government authorization.
Image source: East Mojo
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